When it comes to boxing, the controversies and public feuds are as fascinating as the bouts themselves. Recently, marquee names have made headlines not for their performances in the ring but for their comments off it. Bernard Hopkins, the American boxing legend, recently reacted to Ryan Garcia’s “UNFOCUSED” allegations. Furthermore, Hopkins went on to assert that Floyd Mayweather is not Ryan’s friend!
Ryan Garcia, a promising young boxing talent, has had an extraordinary professional start in the boxing ring. His undefeated record speaks volumes about his ability to pacify his opponents. But lately, he has claimed that he is “unfocused”, sparking a plethora of discussions within the boxing community.
One of the biggest names to react to these claims is Bernard Hopkins, Hopkins, a former world champion himself, is a respected voice in boxing. His involvement in the sport post-retirement, primarily as a promoter, ensures his opinions carry a sizable weight.
Hopkins expressed in a candid interview that boxing is a hardcore discipline. It is crucial to keep one’s focus intact and not let peripheral noise affect one’s performance. While Hopkins empathized with young Garcia, he urged him to avoid distractions and devote his heart and soul to what he does best—boxing.
“I understand the pressure and the noise that comes with fame,” said Hopkins. “However, it is crucial for Ryan (Garcia) to remember why he fell in love with boxing in the first place. He needs to keep his eyes on the prize and not let irrelevant distractions pull him away from his path,” he added.
While his comments about Garcia’s focus made news, it was his remark about Floyd Mayweather that raised the most eyebrows. Ryan Garcia had previously expressed admiration for Mayweather, considering him a friend and mentor. Hopkins, however, had a different perspective to share.
In his typically shocking style, Hopkins tossed a curveball at Ryan in his interview by saying, “Mayweather isn’t Ryan’s friend; he is a businessman first.” Hopkins went on to elaborate his point, making it clear in no uncertain terms that at the end of the day, Mayweather is looking out for his business interest before anything else.
“Floyd may seem friendly, but it’s all part of the game. He respects Ryan but would always put his interests before Ryan or anyone else’s. That’s how the boxing world works”, Hopkins stated.
This isn’t the first time an iconic boxer has warned his successors about Mayweather’s ways. Boxing is as much a sport as a business, a domain where Mayweather has proven his prowess time and time again.
Regardless of whether Hopkins’ advice falls on open ears or not, there is no doubt that it creates a ripple in the boxing community. It doesn’t only encourage young talents like Garcia to concentrate on their game but also serves as a cautionary tale, to be wary of the big names in the industry who may have ulterior business motives.
Both Bernard Hopkins and Floyd Mayweather have had stellar careers, etching unerasable marks in the annals of boxing. Their lives serve as lessons for new aspirants. Even though the age of golden boxing might be over, with characters like these influencing the future of boxing, there’s no lack of drama outside the ring!
